NEW DELHI: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday issued forecasts of enhanced monsoon activity across several regions, predicting widespread to fairly widespread rainfall and isolated heavy downpours over parts of eastern, central and southern India during the coming week. The department also flagged a rise in thunderstorm, lightning and gusty wind incidents in some southern states.
Where and when rain is expected
The IMD said the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Sub‑Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim are likely to experience fairly widespread to widespread rainfall from September 9 to 14. Several East Indian states are expected to see concentrated activity in the near term:
- Jharkhand: Widespread rain expected from September 9 to 11.
- Odisha: Rain likely between September 10 and 12, with a warning of very heavy rainfall on September 10.
- Bihar: Isolated heavy showers possible on September 9 and 10.
Central India is also set to see an uptick in precipitation. The IMD forecast fairly widespread to widespread rain over Chhattisgarh and east Madhya Pradesh from September 10 to 14. West Madhya Pradesh may experience similar conditions from September 12 to 14, with heavy rainfall possible in parts of Madhya Pradesh on September 12 and 13.
Southern peninsula, north‑west and winds
Scattered rainfall is expected across the southern peninsula through the week. The IMD indicated that coastal Karnataka, Kerala and Lakshadweep could see more widespread rains from September 10 to 12. Telangana is likely to receive fairly widespread to widespread rainfall between September 12 and 14.
The weather department also cautioned about thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds affecting parts of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Wind speeds may reach up to 60 kmph in some locations, increasing the risk of rough seas and squally conditions along the coast.
Rainfall for north‑west India
Rainfall activity over north‑west India is expected to strengthen towards the weekend, with an increase in monsoon precipitation noted over higher reaches such as Uttarakhand as per the IMD forecast.
| Region | Expected period | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Andaman & Nicobar, Sub‑Himalayan WB & Sikkim | Sept 9–14 | Fairly widespread to widespread rain |
| Jharkhand | Sept 9–11 | Widespread rainfall |
| Odisha | Sept 10–12 | Very heavy rain possible on Sept 10 |
| Chhattisgarh & East MP | Sept 10–14 | Fairly widespread to widespread rain |
Precautions and advisories
The IMD forecast carries operational implications for districts likely to receive heavy or very heavy rainfall. Authorities and residents in the affected regions are advised to take standard monsoon precautions:
- Monitor local IMD updates and district administration advisories regularly.
- Be prepared for waterlogging and urban flooding in low‑lying areas; keep emergency contacts handy.
- Avoid non‑essential travel during heavy rainfall and lightning activity; motorists should reduce speed on wet roads.
- Fishermen and coastal communities should heed marine warnings where gusty winds and rough seas are forecast.
The IMD emphasised a likely increase in convective incidents — thunderstorms and lightning — across parts of the southern peninsula, which raises the risk of isolated damage to trees, power lines and structures. Residents in vulnerable areas should secure loose objects and take shelter indoors during storms.
The department will continue to issue updates as systems evolve; state administrations are expected to coordinate preparedness and relief measures where forecasts indicate heavy or very heavy rainfall.
